Seeing in Shapes

 Remember all those shapes you learned as a child – circles, squares, triangles? They're making a comeback in your artistic journey!  This ability to see everyday objects as simplified shapes is a valuable asset for artists.

Imagine a house – it's essentially a cube with a triangular roof and a cylindrical chimney. Even a seemingly complex rose can be broken down into a basic circle or oval shape. A sprawling garden might start with visualizing it as a collection of many ovals.

But shapes don't have to be boring! To add visual intrigue, experiment with varying the sides and edges. A perfect square or triangle might be a bit predictable in a painting. Instead, aim to create more dynamic shapes by altering their sides and edges. Remember, variety is key in art, just like it is in life.

Finally, don't forget the power of implied shapes. Though not a perfect triangle, its overall form suggests one. This creates a more visually interesting element because the "triangle" isn't perfectly symmetrical – its sides are different lengths.

By honing your ability to see the world in shapes, you'll be well on your way to creating balanced and visually appealing artwork.

Size Matters

 In the world of art, size isn't just about big versus small – it's about intention and impact.  Just like lines and shapes, size can be used strategically within a piece.

One way to guide the viewer's eye is through size. By making an element larger and more dominant, you declare its importance.  Think of a painting with one flower significantly bigger than the rest. The larger flower becomes the star, attracting attention and creating more visual interest compared to a scene with flowers all the same size.

Artist Georgia O'Keeffe famously used size to compel viewers to truly see a flower. By presenting a normally small object in a massive scale, she created paintings with a powerful impact.  On the other hand, small paintings can create a sense of intimacy, drawing the viewer in for a closer look.

Variety in size is key to avoid monotony. Imagine a field of flowers where all the blooms are identical – it might resemble wallpaper, visually pleasing but lacking in artistic excitement.

Size can also be used to surprise and direct attention. A Western painting with a lone cowboy riding through a dreary rain shower. The entire scene is painted in muted grays, emphasizing the cold and wet atmosphere. But the cowboy's bright yellow slicker stands out, grabbing the viewer's eye not because of its size within the painting, but because it's a small burst of color in a vast area of gray.

Finally, size plays a crucial role in creating aerial perspective, the illusion of depth in a two-dimensional artwork.  Larger objects appear closer to the viewer, while smaller ones seem to recede into the distance.  By strategically using size, you can create a sense of space and depth in your artwork.

Looking to Lines

While nature might not be overflowing with perfect lines, artists use them strategically to define shapes and create details.  Think about it – edges in the real world are rarely crisp lines. Often, it's a subtle change in color or value.

But in art, lines become a valuable tool. They help us define areas, create details like strands of hair or veins on a leaf, and contain shapes within the artwork. Lines can be explicit, like an outline that tells us where to paint, or they can be implied.

For example, imagine a row of geese flying across the sky. There's no actual line connecting them, but the viewer's eye will perceive them as a line because of their positioning. Here, the geese become an implied line.

Three main types of lines:

Curved lines: These are the soft edges you see in arcs, circles, and natural shapes like clouds, figures, and most organic forms.

Straight lines: Horizontal lines evoke a sense of calmness, while vertical lines create a feeling of upward movement. Using both in balance can add visual interest.

Angular lines: Diagonals and zigzags create a sense of tension, excitement, or action in your artwork.

Remember, variety is key! Just like uneven shapes are often more engaging than perfect ones, using a variety of lines can add dynamism and intrigue to your art.

Adding texture

Texture refers to the surface quality, the way something feels to the touch. In art, we can create the illusion of texture, or even incorporate real textures, to add depth and interest to our creations.

There are two main approaches to texture in art:

Real Texture: This involves adding physical elements to your artwork. Think about sewing beads onto a canvas, gluing on small objects, or using other creative techniques.  You can also use paint additives to create thicker paint that can be applied in a way that creates a tactile sensation.

Implied Texture: This refers to creating the illusion of texture using painting techniques. For example, by using rough brushstrokes and adding small, detailed lines, you can make tree bark appear textured even though it's perfectly smooth on the paper. This "faux" (French for "fake") texture tricks the eye into believing there's a physical difference in the surface.

Experiment with different textures and invent your own unique styles.

Remember, moderation is key. While texture can add a lot, too much of it can create visual chaos.  But hey, if you subscribe to Mae West's philosophy of "too much of a good thing is marvelous!", then go for it! Just be mindful of the overall balance in your artwork.

Deciding direction

 

Direction in art goes beyond just lines – it encompasses the overall flow and movement within a piece.  Think of it as the invisible path that guides the viewer's eye across the canvas. This direction can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, and each has a distinct effect.

By strategically arranging elements within your artwork, you can create a sense of direction.  

Horizontal: Horizontal lines and overall compositions tend to evoke feelings of calmness and peace. Imagine a tranquil landscape painting with a vast horizon line – the horizontal emphasis creates a sense of serenity.

Vertical: Vertical lines and compositions suggest dignity and stability. Think of a majestic portrait where the figure stands tall and fills the vertical space – it conveys a sense of strength and importance.

Diagonal: Diagonals introduce movement and dynamism into a piece. In Figure 1-6, the diagonal thrust of the bull creates a sense of action and excitement around the cowboy.

By understanding the power of direction, you can use it to influence the emotions and overall experience of your viewers.